Sunday, December 26, 2010

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
-Isaiah 1:18

Maybe the reason people get so excited about the snow is because it is a beautiful picture of our God. Most obviously, it is white and beautiful. The bible tells us that our sins make us like crimson, but because of Christ's sacrifice we can be made as white as snow. Second, it is so gentle and beautiful while at the same time it can be dangerous. It also can cause people to stop their plans. God's presence calls us to stop and admire, praise, worship, and love Him. All too often we don't stop because we don't recognize Him. I admit to being guilty as well. God demands our worship, and our attention. There is nothing greater than being at His feet and there is no higher calling than to be His servant. Instead of going along with my day as God's presence calls to me, I will stop and acknowledge His greatness. Let the wonder, gentility, and strength of the snow be a reminder of our wonderful Lord.

Monday, December 20, 2010

How many times was I told to keep my eyes ahead when I run? So why am I looking around now, when the prize is so much greater than coming in first?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. -Hebrews 12:1

I so often look around the world on my own to find things. I look for provision, happiness, a husband, satisfaction. There is nothing more important at this time than simply looking ahead and running the race that God has set out for me. God's arms are stretched out wide in front of me, and I should be sprinting to them. I should long for my Jesus so much that I can't stand my human body that keeps me from getting to experience Him fully. Yet I dwell in this body happily and I feel satisfied in my popularity and beauty. I feel fine just going through my day without even once speaking the most precious name I know. I feel perfectly okay without speaking the words that could save a life from eternity away from the Father. I am satisfied with myself when I sing well and make a few people smile. I should love Jesus so much it makes people confused. I should be so obsessed with His glory that people wonder what in the world my purpose in life is. I should long for more of Him so earnestly that there is no mistaking His hold on my life and my heart. I should be running so fast and so hard for Him that the things that may be important and impressive and satisfactory to the world are only a blur in my peripheral vision because I am running so fast and so focused toward my precious victor Jesus.

A Day In The Life

There is no Webster definition of my life. That doesn't mean, though, that i have to define it for myself. Most people do define their own life. They work hard to make money, build a good reputation, become powerful, and be known as "good people." I don't have that burden on my shoulders because my heavenly Father defines my life. My identity is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. I don't need to worry about making a lot of money, or having a good reputation, or being popular, or powerful. I don't need to work my butt off to get in good with the crowd. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and my identity is found right there. It's not that I'm never worried, scared, or angry. I am human afterall. My life isn't carefree. I just know that everything is in the Lord's hands. Now that I've given it to Him, He does what he pleases with it. He defines my life. He IS my life.